2023 Cupra Born Australian details revealed

The latest brand to launch in Australia is planning an aggressive expansion and its newest model is sure to appeal to local drivers.

An exciting new small performance car with a twist is headed Down Under.

New Spanish brand Cupra has confirmed its Born electric car will hit the showroom floor from March next year.

The Cupra Born electric car will go on sale early next year.

Cupra is the latest brand from the giant Volkswagen Group and shares much of its underpinnings with the German maker’s vehicles.

It’s roughly the same size as a Volkswagen Golf hatchback on the outside but with interior space of a much larger vehicle thanks to a longer distance between the front and rear wheels.

The Born promises driving thrills, a healthy driving range and plenty of hi-tech features.

Power comes from a single electric motor making 170kW and 310Nm paired with a 82kWh battery providing more than 500km of driving range.

Cupra says it’ll have a sporty character.

The Born isn’t overly fast, making the 0-100km/h sprint in seven seconds, though, Cupra argues the Born driver engagement is comparable to a “hot hatch” such as the Golf GTI.

The brand says engineers have focused on matching the steering, ride, handling and the electronic stability control sensitivity with the instantaneous torque of the electronic motor.

It comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels and progressive steering that requires less input from the driver through tight turns.

It has a claimed driving range of more than 500km.

Buyers will also be able to add a Performance Package that includes key items such as 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in wider Michelin Pilot 4 Sport tyres and driving modes such as Sport that alter the suspension firmness, steering input and throttle response.

Cupra Australia boss, Ben Wilks, says the Born will fit in perfectly to its line-up.

“The Born is a BEV with a long 500km-plus range, exclusive rear-wheel drive hot hatch dynamics, plus interior space and versatility of a larger vehicle. Its specifications are ideal for progressive Australian customers,” says Wilks.

The Born is set to be priced close to Cupra’s potent Leon VZx or about $72,000 drive-away, according to Wilks.

And plenty of hi-tech features inside. (overseas version shown)

It comes reasonably well equipped with a 12-inch central display that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is complemented by a wireless device charger, four USB-C charging ports, digital radio and a small 5.3-inch digital instrument display.

Interior highlights include a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient lighting and aluminium pedals.

Buyers will also need to stump up extra cash if they want heated and electronically adjustable front bucket seats that are coupled together with a nine speaker Bose stereo in an optional pack.

Originally published as 2023 Cupra Born Australian details revealed